As Mr. Bauer noted, the response from the governor and commissioner to a clean-boat program has so far been a put-off, even as they are well aware of the terrible consequences the expansion of invasives can produce. Meanwhile, the current administration has shown it is quite capable of acting in a timely manner to critical developments.

The state has created policy that makes the spread of invasive species illegal. We need the enforcement measures to make that policy effective. Lake George serves the entire state every day. Year after year, this state-owned real estate has been awe-inspiring. It is a superstar resource.

The governor and the commissioner could use the high profile of Lake George to exhibit a model clean-boat program to be replicated throughout the Adirondacks. By doing so, they'll also demonstrate they are following through in their job to understand, respect and care for the state's irreplaceable assets.

Lake stewardship organizations that care for Lake George have already done the important research and are trying to eradicate the invasives. But these efforts will soon be exhausted unless the state endorses a decisive, immediate invasive species mitigation program.